Download Lingual artery

Lingual artery
It loops upward and then passes deep to the posterior border of the hyoglossus muscle to
enter the submandibular region. The loop of the artery is crossed superficially by the hypoglossal nerve. The lingual artery supplies structures of the floor of the mouth and the
posterior and inferior surface of the tongue. Major branches include the :
• Suprahyoid artery: supplies the suprahyoid muscles
• Dorsal lingual artery: supplies the tongue, tonsils, and soft palate
• Sublingual artery: supplies the floor of the mouth, mylohyoid muscle, and sublingual gland
• Deep lingual artery: supplies the tongue
Important: The lingual artery does not accompany the corresponding nerve throughout
its course.
Remember: The inferior alveolar nerve, artery, and vein along with the lingual nerve
are found in the pterygomandibular space between the medial pterygoid muscle and the
ramus of the mandible. The inferior alveolar nerve passes lateral to the sphenomandibular ligament. The submandibular duct is crossed twice by the lingual nerve. If the lingual
nerve is cut after the chorda tympani joins, there will be loss of both taste and tactile sensation.
Note: The lateral pterygoid muscle forms the roof of the pterygomandibular space.